Haisla Nation

Haisla (the name means "dwellers downriver") people have occupied lands for about 9000 years. Neighbouring nations include the Heiltsuk and Wuikinuxv bands of the Coast Tsimshian peoples. Today's Haisla Nation is an amalgamation of two historic bands-the Kitamaat of the Douglas and Devastation channels and the Kitlope of the upper Princess Royal Ch... annel and Gardner Canal. The Haisla social system is based on matrilineal clans. Eight clans (Eagle, Beaver, Crow, Killer Whale, Wolf, Frog, Raven, and Salmon) make up the community, with each clan having its own chief, its own resources areas, and its own winter village. Most Haisla continue to carry on the tradition of hunting, berry picking, gathering, and fishing. Every spring, Haisla family groups still travel to the Kemano River for oolichan fishing. At this time, the village is full of the rich smell of the fish smoking. After a long hard North Coast winter, oolichan are the first fish returning to spawn in local rivers. The Haisla use oolichan for almost everything, from food to medicine. Haisla people learned to boil oolichan and make it into a grease. They have become experts at making an especially pure white grease that's quality is well known up and down BC's Coast. Haisla people still trade this valuable commodity with neighbouring villages.Read More